Usyk vs Gassiev Pre-Fight documentary is now available to view on the World Boxing Super Series YouTube channel! ðŸ‘Œ

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Carlos Ocampo Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Carlos Ocampo Final Press Conference
Quotes & Photos
 
Unbeaten Welterweight World Champion Faces Undefeated Challenger This Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
FRISCO, TEXAS (June 14, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and top-rated contender Carlos Ocampo spoke to media at the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters Thursday as Spence nears his homecoming title defense against his unbeaten challenger this Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman defending his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores and former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction, all of whom were in attendance at Thursday’s final press conference.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com. 
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday ahead of the first boxing event to take place inside Ford Center at The Star:
 
ERROL SPENCE JR.
 
“I’m really happy to be here and I’m so happy that everyone came out. Saturday night is going to be great. I’ve been training for 10 weeks and I’m 100 percent focused on Ocampo. I’m here to do my job, which is to win and look good winning.
 
“Ocampo is very dangerous because he has nothing to lose. It’s his first title fight, which is a position I’ve been in before. I had a lot of fire and I felt like I had nothing to lose. I’m sure he’s been training hard and is focused. I know he’s fighting for him family so he’s going to come to fight. I want a guy who’s going to test me so the crowd gets their money’s worth.
 
“I’ve had pressure my whole boxing career. Being on Olympian and a top prospect was pressure, but then I also went overseas to take the title from a top fighter. I’ve always overcome the pressure on me and I’m going to overcome another test on Saturday night.
 
“Every fight is a statement fight. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting. All eyes are on me in the welterweight division. People want to see if there are chinks in my armor, so it’s important for me to put on a great performance and prove I’m the best welterweight in the division.
 
“Dallas already is a boxing town, just not enough boxing comes here. I can be the star who has annual fights and bring the city out like we’re doing Saturday night. I’m going to prove we’re a boxing city in Dallas and that Texas is a boxing state period. I do this for the whole state.
 
“We work hard every camp and we’re 100 percent dedicated. There hasn’t been much difference in this camp than normal. The sparring with Jermell Charlo was top quality and has me prepared for Saturday night.
 
“I’m ready to line up those other champions. I’ve said that since I was 15-0. I want to fight every opponent and take them out no matter who it is. I’m here to prove that I’m the best in the division.”
 
CARLOS OCAMPO
 
“We’re here on the same stage and I’m ready. I’m appreciative to be here and I’m calm. I have nothing to lose. He has all the pressure of being in his hometown. I’m just relaxed and ready to fight.
 
“I’ve studied his fights enough. What’s most important is that I know that he has everything to lose and I don’t. He has a home field advantage, but at the end of the day, it’s just two guys in the ring.
 
“I’ve gotten a great reception from the people here in Dallas. I’ve been treated like a champion and after Saturday I’ll be a world champion. You don’t want to miss this fight.
 
“He can try to come and knock me out, but this is my dream. This is what I’ve trained my whole life for and i’m not going to let this chance pass me by.
 
“I’m going to use my height, distance and jab throughout the fight. The counter will be important for me. I’m going to look to catch him so he better be ready.
 
“I’m going to leave everything in the ring. I’m going to show what I have and give everyone a great performance from start to finish.”
 
DANIEL ROMAN
 
“Flores is a tough opponent. I don’t overlook anybody. I know he’s going to come in and fight. Defending my belt is the only thing that’s on my mind.
 
“We work hard like always. The only thing that changes in camp is strategy, and we will be ready for anything Flores can bring.
 
“We’re going to be ready for his pressure. I’m going to fight a smart fight. If we have a chance to take him out early, then I’m going to jump on it. You never know what could happen in a fight.
 
“Flores is not an easy opponent. Nobody is at this level. I just work hard every day like it’s my first shot at a world title. I know that if I put in the work, everything will come together in the ring.”
 
MOISES FLORES
 
“Roman is a good fighter, that’s why we’re here. Hopefully on Saturday night he won’t be able to take my volume of punches. I’m going to bring pressure for every moment of the fight and we’ll see if he holds up.
 
“Everyone knows that I like to come forward and make exciting fights. There will be drama and I’m expecting to come out of there with my hand raised.
 
“On Saturday night I’m going to get redemption for everything that happened in my last fight and deliver a win and an exciting fight. This is a chance that I’ve worked and trained hard to get again.”
 
JAVIER FORTUNA
 
“Everyone knows what I can do here in the ring. I’m very glad to be here meeting Granados, because we’re going to give the fans a a great fight on Saturday that’s going to steal the show.
 
“I know that Granados has fought a lot of top opposition, but on Saturday night, I’m going to be a different fighter than he’s ever seen in the ring.
 
“This will be a battle. Everyone will see on fight night what the difference is between me and him. I’m a special fighter. I’m going to prove it again on Saturday.”
 
ADRIAN GRANADOS
 
“It’s been a long hard road to this fight. I know I have marks on my record, but I can easily say that I know all of them have been controversial. I’ve pushed through everything and I know that I’m truly respected as a fighter.
 
“I’m always going to bring the same fire and determination to the ring. If my opponent is brave enough to stand with me, then it’s going to be all-action. Either way, I’m coming to break him down and get the victory.
 
‘Recently I’ve gone against a lot of opposition that is naturally bigger than me, but I’ve never backed down or been afraid of any of them. This fight is going to prove that I belong in the upper echelon of boxing.
 
“I’ve checked out Fortuna’s fights and he’s a scrapper. He likes to bang too in the ring just like I do. It’s all the recipes for a can’t miss fight.”
 
DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer
 
“I’m very happy to see everybody out here and we’re so glad that the fans are getting involved. This city means everything to me and Errol, so to bring a great night like this and have this huge reception from the fans, is a little bit of extra motivation.
 
“I think we’re going to see a great fight. Ocampo is very tough opposition and Errol has trained very hard. We’re going to see the best Errol Spence on Saturday night and I’m sure we’ll see the best Carlos Ocampo, which should make for a fun night for the fans.”
 
BRITTANY GOOSSEN BROWN, Vice President of TGB Promotions
 
“We are so excited for Saturday night and to be bringing the first boxing event inside Ford Center at The Star. Dallas is a great fight town and who better to headline the first title fight here in 50 years than hometown favorite Errol Spence Jr.? He is sure to put on a great performance for his hometown fans.
 
“It has truly been a pleasure to work with the entire Dallas Cowboys organization throughout this promotion and we hope this is just the start of bringing sellout crowds here to the heart of Texas. We can’t wait to see you all there on Saturday night.”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc.
 
“SHOWTIME is thrilled to be here at The Star for the first boxing event inside of Ford Center. Week after week and month after month, we’ve delivered the best fighters in the most meaningful fights to boxing fans. Saturday is the 11th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this year. These events have featured more than 15 world title fights, just in the first six months of the year. We’re doing more boxing and more high quality boxing than any other network by far.
 
“Saturday is no exception, especially in terms of quality. Errol Spence Jr. is a consensus top five pound-for-pound fighter. He’s knocked out 10 straight fighters and it was 2014 when an opponent last went the distance. Errol is in many ways our Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys quarterback), he’s a young star, a fan favorite and we expect him to be one of the faces of the sport for years to come.
 
“If you know of the tradition of Mexican fighters in this sport, then you know that Carlos Ocampo cannot be overlooked. He’s coming to win and that makes him very dangerous and should create an exciting fight.
 
“Both of the opening bouts leading up to the main event on SHOWTIME are significant bouts with fighters that bring all action styles to the ring.”

Trio of Heavyweight Showdowns Highlight Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action Sunday, June 10 L

Trio of Heavyweight Showdowns Highlight Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action Sunday, June 10
 
Rugged Veteran Travis Kauffman Takes on Scott Alexander,
Former Title Challenger Gerald Washington Battles
Wes Nofire & 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter Meets Iago Kiladze
Live from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, Calif.
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
LANCASTER, CALIF. (May 31, 2018) – Rugged veteran heavyweight Travis Kauffman will take on Scott Alexander in a 10-round bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action that features three heavyweight showdowns on Sunday, June 10 from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.
 
The telecast begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will see former world title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington take on once-beaten Wes Nofire in a 10-round attraction plus 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunterchallenging Iago Kiladze in a 10-round fight. Also featured on the card is sensational super welterweight prospectJoey Spencer (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round special attraction.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website: www.uavpec.com. 
 
“Travis Kauffman doesn’t back down from anyone and there’s no doubt he’ll be looking to make a statement against Scott Alexander on Sunday, June 10,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “It’s an interesting time in the heavyweight division and all the winners on this card will figure into the picture in a prominent way in the future.”
 
Kauffman (31-2, 23 KOs) will look to boost his own contender credentials with a win after most recently dropping a close majority decision to Amir Mansour last March in Kauffman’s hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania. Kauffman had entered that bout with a 14 fight unbeaten streak, including dropping Chris Arreola in a fight that resulted in a no contest and a knockout of former title challenger Epifanio Mendoza.
 
“I am excited to get back in the ring,” said Kauffman. “I have not been in the ring in a year and a half and I can’t wait to go in there and show that I still have a lot left. I am not going in there to win by decision.  I am going in there looking to knock him out, because I am tired of leaving it up to the judges.”
 
The 29-year-old Alexander (14-2-2, 8 KOs) has put together two straight victories since losing to LaRon Mitchell by unanimous decision in 2016. Fighting out of Los Angeles, Alexander is noted for his fast hands, and scored a TKO victory over Pedro Julio Rodriguez in his last fight on March 3.
 
“I’ve been working hard preparing for a fight at the end of June so I jumped at this opportunity,” Alexander said. “I’m always ready to step into the ring and take on any and all challenges. I’m ready to make my mark. My time is now!”
 
A U.S. Navy veteran who also played tight end and defensive end at the University of Southern California, Washington (18-2-1, 12 KOs) will step into the ring looking to score a bounce back victory on June 10. Washington was stopped in his world title challenge last February against Deontay Wilder on FOX, although he was nearly even on the scorecards at the time, before losing a bout to unbeaten Jarrell Miller in July. Prior to those fights, Washington had been unbeaten in 19 pro fights with victories over a slew of veteran contenders.
 
A Cherokee-citizen born in Oklahoma and training out of Miami, Nofire (20-1, 16 KOs) most recently scored a second round stoppage of Stacy Frazier last September. The 32-year-old was riding a four-fight knockout streak that includes stoppages of Yasmany Consuegra and Ty Cobb before losing his first pro fight to Joey Abell in 2016 on FS1 and FOX Deportes.
 
After representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic games, Hunter (13-1, 8 KOs) turned pro and began rising up the cruiserweight rankings until losing his first world title fight to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk last April. The 29-year-old returned to action this April with a decision victory and will set his sights on a world title shot at heavyweight.
 
Kiladze (26-2, 18 KOs) was riding a six-bout winning streak into his January matchup with unbeaten Adam Kownacki that ended with Kiladze losing in six rounds. Representing the country of Georgia and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Kiladze will be in his fifth fight as a full time heavyweight on June 10.

HAYEMAKER/RINGSTAR HEAVYWEIGHT JOE JOYCE MAKES HISTORY BY WINNING COMMONWEALTH TITLE IN ONLY HIS FOURTH PROFESSIONAL FIGHT

HAYEMAKER/RINGSTAR HEAVYWEIGHT JOE JOYCE MAKES HISTORY BY WINNING COMMONWEALTH TITLE IN ONLY HIS FOURTH PROFESSIONAL FIGHT
LOS ANGELES, (May 15, 2018) — On May 5th in London, England, boxing history was made when 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce became the first fighter to win the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship in just his fourth professional fight.  
 
On the undercard of Bellew-Haye at the O2, Joyce, 32 dropped champion Lenroy Thomas three times before finally stopping him in the second round. It was an impressive display of power, poise and accuracy and one that has already placed the Haymaker/Ringstar boxer squarely in the center of all conversations regarding the stacked Heavyweight division.    
 
Joyce is eagerly anticipating his next challenge; be it the newly crowned British Champion Hugie Fury or a possible showdown Derrick Chisora or the American Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller.
 
“May 5th was the passing of the torch,” noted promoter David Haye, “Joe delivered in impressive fashion while capturing the Commonwealth Title.  This is just the beginning of his amazing journey towards becoming the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world and I’m proud to be part of that quest “
 
“The heavyweights are the glamor division of our sport and to be able to capture this title is just he beginning,” said Joyce. “No challenge is too big for me and along with the team I have behind me, I am more than confident that we have just scratched the surface. I made room in my trophy cabinet for this title but there is a lot more space that needs to be filled. I want to thank my friends, family, fans and my team for supporting me.  To them I promise — I won’t let you down!”
 
Co-promoter Richard Schaefer said, “Joe Joyce is the real deal! For his Cinco De Mayo event, he dedicated this fight to the legendary Rafael Garcia and truly fought “Mexican Style”.  Arriving in a sombrero and Mexican gear, he knocked out his opponent with the legendary liver shots made famous by Julio Cesar Chaves Sr. Yes he fought for the Commonwealth Title but he also fought for Mexico. The UK and Mexico have a new champion. His name is Joe “Jose” Joyce. From now on,  Cinco de Mayo will be known as Cinco de Joe!
 
On the same night Hayemaker Ringstar fighters, Kody Davies and Money Powell IV also demonstrated their future intent!   Davies, landed a devastating body shot to his opponent in the first round to secure the win.  The much avoided super middleweight has certainly got the boxing fraternity talking, having sparred with the likes of Joshua, Groves and Sexton.   Davies also beat the recently crowned British Heavyweight Champion Hughie Fury as an amateur.  Mentored by former two weight world champion Joe Calzaghe, he will next fight on the Hayemaker Ringstar show in June.
 
Money Powell IV, the youngest of the Hayemaker Ringstar stable, super welterweight continued his winning record in London with a TKO in the 4thround against seasoned professional Mark Krammerstodter.

Adonis Stevenson Training Camp Quotes & Photos

Adonis Stevenson Training Camp Quotes & Photos
 
“I’m the best fighter in this division, period.” – Stevenson
 
Light Heavyweight World Champion Stevenson Takes on
Two-Division Champion Badou Jack Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME® from Air Canada Centre in Toronto
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sugar Hill Steward
 
TORONTO (May 15, 2018) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson is set to make his ninth, and perhaps most difficult, world title defense when he faces two-division world champion Badou Jack Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. As fight week events in Toronto near, Stevenson shared some thoughts on his training camp and Saturday’s showdown.
 
“Badou is a two-time world champion for a reason,” said Stevenson. “I’m not underestimating him. I know he’s durable and that he has attributes like good head movement and I’ll have to be ready for everything.”
 
Although many consider this Stevenson’s toughest defense in at least a few years, the champion’s mindset is unchanged from any of his other world title fights.
 
“Every fight is a big fight for me,” said Stevenson. “This fight is nothing different. Badou Jack is a good fighter and people think very highly of him. But in my mind, he’s just the next guy that I have to beat.”
 
With knockout victories in seven of his nine world title fights, Stevenson has become known for exceptional power, especially in his left hand. This serves as a strategy for the champion and is something he trains for under the guidance of his trainer Javan “Sugar” Hill.
 
“I’m always going for the knockout,” said Stevenson. “I’m still ready for 12 rounds, but I want the stoppage every time. I’m hungry for knockouts. If Badou comes in aggressive, this could end very quickly.
 
“You have to step into the ring with me to understand my power. If I connect right just one time, that’s it, lights out. We train specifically for knockouts. You’ll have to wait and see how I do it on May 19.”
 
As the longest-reigning champion at 175-pounds, and the second longest-reigning champion in boxing, Stevenson has established his case as the best fighter in the division, something he looks to continue to prove on May 19.
 
“I’m the king at light heavyweight,” said Stevenson. “I beat the king to become the king. I know that I’ve accomplished some great things and me and my team plan to continue to do everything we can to stay on top.
 
“I’m the best fighter in this division, period. When I win on May 19, I’ll just be doing my job. People might still talk trash, but I’ll still be the champ.”
 
Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, May 19.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca.
 

Adrien Broner vs. Jessie Vargas Official Weights & Weigh-In Photos for Tripleheader Live on SHOWTIME Tomorrow Night at Barclays Center

Click HERE for PDF Version

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Janer Bigio/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment 

Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. Battles Unbeaten Top Contender Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz Jr.

Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. Battles
Unbeaten Top Contender Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz Jr. from
MGM National Harbor in Maryland
 
Two Main Events to Air Live on SHOWTIME
in a Split-Site Doubleheader Saturday, May 19
 
Hard-Hitting 175-pound Champion Adonis Stevenson
Defends Title Against Two-Division Champion
Badou Jack From Canada &
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Tickets on Sale Now for MGM National Harbor Show
 
NATIONAL HARBOR (April 20, 2018) – Two exciting main events will be presented on the same night, Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME as part of a split-site doubleheader telecast.
 
Featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. will defend his WBC title against undefeated mandatory challenger Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. on Saturday, May 19 in a clash live on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
 
The other half of the split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will feature WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson defending his title against two-division world champion Badou Jack in a main event from Canada presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Tickets for the MGM National Harbor show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions, are on sale now and are available by visitinghttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
 
Russell Jr. and Diaz Jr. have both had sensational professional and amateur careers, including representing the U.S. at two different Olympic Games – Russell in 2008 and Diaz in 2012. Russell is noted for having some of the fastest hands in boxing but will be tested by a young, hungry contender in his first world title fight.
 
“The featherweight division is one of the most talent laden in boxing and Gary Russell, Jr. is at the head of a class of terrific boxers at 126 pounds,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Joseph Diaz Jr. is young, hungry and undefeated and he’s coming for the title and he’s going to have to beat Russell in front of his hometown crowd to take it. It has the makings of an instant classic. Boxing fans will be the real winners on May 19.”
 
“SHOWTIME continues to deliver the most meaningful and action-packed fights in boxing, week after week,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “On May 19, we have two events that demand top-billing, with world champions facing their toughest challengers in an international split-site doubleheader.  Gary Russell and JoJo Diaz will meet in the latest of what has become a de facto featherweight tournament this spring on SHOWTIME. Over the next two months, SHOWTIME will deliver four pivotal matchups featuring three world champions and seven of the consensus top-10 featherweights in the world. Adonis Stevenson vs. Badou Jack is by far the biggest fight at light heavyweight in 2018, fellow 175-pound champs facing off in what has the makings of a lasting rivalry.” 
 
The 29-year-old Russell (28-1, 17 KOs), who was born in Washington, D.C. and now lives in Capitol Heights, Maryland, will be defending his title before a hometown crowd. This will be Russell’s second straight fight at MGM National Harbor following his knock-out win over Oscar Escondon in his first title defense there on May 20, and second defense overall. It was his third straight knockout victory in a world title fight since dropping a majority decision to Vasyl Lomachenko in his first world title shot in 2014.
 
Russell, who is trained by his father, Gary, Sr., is part of a boxing family. Two of his younger brothers, Gary Antonio and Gary Antuanne, are currently unbeaten professionals, are also trained by their father and will be fighting on their older brother’s undercard on May 19.
 
“I don’t see this being a long night,” said Russell Jr. “If he gets reckless, it might end early. I don’t plan on going the distance with anyone I step in the ring with. I know he’s in for a rude awakening. I don’t feel as though he has the punching power, the hand speed or the ring IQ to do anything to me. At the end of the day he’ll have the opportunity to say he got in the ring with Mr. Gary Russell, Jr.
 
“It will be an early birthday gift for my Dad. Last year I fought on his birthday, May 20. That’s pretty cool. I love fighting at the MGM. I love the convenience. I love that all my friends and fans, and the people who honk at me from their cars when I’m running can hop in their cars rather get on a plane to come and see me fight.”
 
Diaz Jr., who is also trained by his father, Joseph, Sr., was a two-time amateur national champion in the bantamweight division. He represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic games in London. Immediately after, Diaz Jr. signed with Golden Boy Promotions and began a stellar career that has earned him a spot at the pinnacle of the featherweight division.
 
“I’m happy to be fighting for my first world title against the best 126-pound world champion,” said Diaz Jr. “I’ll prove to everyone that I belong on that featherweight throne come May 19.”
 
“I will be the bigger man come fight night, and I will break him down physically and mentally. He just better give me the credit I deserve once I beat him, and not blame his inactivity for being a factor in his loss.”

UNDEFEATED BLUE-CHIP LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY TO FACE VETERAN MASON MENARD

DEVIN HANEY PROMOTIONS
 
Press Release
For Immediate Release

UNDEFEATED BLUE-CHIP LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY TO FACE VETERAN MASON MENARD IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 11 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
 
Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia
NEW YORK (April 5, 2018) – Highly regarded undefeated lightweight Devin Haney will face the toughest test of his career in veteran Mason Menard in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, May 11 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
 
The 19-year-old Haney, who was a seven-time national junior amateur champion, has been considered a blue-chip prospect since turning professional at the age of 16 in Mexico.  Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) will face by far the toughest opponent of his career in his ShoBox debut against Menard (33-2, 24 KOs), a two-time ShoBox veteran whose only loss in nearly a decade came to current WBO Lightweight Champion Ray Beltran.
 
“The boxing world will see something they’ve never seen a 19-year-old professional boxer do,” Haney said. “I’m intimidating and I know it.  I’m thankful to SHOWTIME and Mason Menard for giving me this opportunity, unfortunately for him, he will get a chance to see first-hand what all the hype is about.  I’ve been sparring with former world champions like Jesse Vargas in preparation for this fight.  The fact that I’m fighting in the main event is bringing out the best in me.  It’s my time to show the world what I’m made of and I’m coming to make a statement in this fight.  Mason Menard is in trouble!”
 
The young and flashy Haney fights out of Las Vegas, where he has earned a reputation as a prodigy having sparred with Floyd Mayweather, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Rances Barthelemy.  He compiled an amateur record of 130-8 and received a special exception from the Nevada State Athletic Commission when he was just 17 years old to make his U.S. debut on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley III.  
 
Haney, who is trained and managed by his father, William Haney, has been active since turning pro with nine fights in 2016 and seven in 2017. In his last fight on Nov. 4, he scored a fifth-round TKO against Hamza Sempewo in Atlanta.
 
Menard had an emphatic win in his ShoBox debut in 2016 with a brutal Knockout of the Year nominee of previously unbeaten Eudy Bernardo.  He returned later that year with a knockout victory of Bahodir Mamadjonov before facing Beltran on short notice.  Prior to the 2016 loss to Beltran, Menard’s only blemish was a 2008 defeat in just his third professional fight.
 
“It’s a privilege for me to be able return in a fight on national television again,” Menard said.  “My all-around game will be different.  I have a new team, a repaired shoulder and a different outlook on things.  Haney may be undefeated, but he’s never faced anyone like me.  If everyone expects me to fold against an untested prospect they are in for a big surprise.”
 
After facing Beltran, Menard changed trainers and is now based in Los Angeles with trainers John Pullman and Buddy McGirt. 
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Devin Haney Promotions & Hard Hitting Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $75 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

Lomachenko v. Linares Rumoured For May 12

Social media buzz that WBA Lightweight Champion Jorge Linares will defend his title against P4P King Vasyl Lomachenko, on May 12 at Madison Square Garden.

The official announcement is expected soon.

Lomachenko is also in talks to face Luke Campbell at some point. It is suggested that Campbell would potentially be on the May 12 undercard, or at least in attendance.

Knuckle Up….The Venue Is Set

The venue is now set… T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas..buckle up/knuckle up.. May 5 is coming.